Media Releases 2017



Read current and past media statements from the ACTU.

You can also keep track of ACTU media releases by following the official ACTU feed on Twitter at @unionsaustralia.




All ACTU media enquiries should be directed to ACTU Media team:




T: 03 9664 7315 (24 hours)
E: media@actu.org.au


Recent Media Releases

Cash out, Laundy in: a welcome end to Cash’s attacks on working people

December 19, 2017

“Senator Cash’s tenure as Minister responsible for Industrial Relations has been marked by repeated
attempts to remove rights for working people and indifference to the real life issues facing working
families.”

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Racist work-for-the-dole program must be scrapped

December 15, 2017

The ACTU has renewed calls for the Community Development Program to be scrapped after a Senate inquiry into the Program found that the program is causing harm to its overwhelmingly Indigenous workforce.

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Report calls for Modern Slavery Act, as Turnbull backs away

December 11, 2017

The ACTU welcomes a report demanding a Modern Slavery Act for Australia, but is concerned that the Turnbull government is already signalling its intention to sidestep any attempt to confront this global issue.

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New Report shines a light on Exxon’s secret global tax web

December 8, 2017

A new report from the Tax Justice Network details a massive system of offshored profits and other tax avoidance strategies deployed by Exxon, which make a mockery of Australia’s laws and deny Australians millions in lost tax revenue.

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Turnbull’s attempt to stop civil society voices an attack on our democratic values

December 8, 2017

The Turnbull government’s attempt to stop voices being heard through banning charities and non-governmental organisations from receiving foreign philanthropic funds is nothing short of an attack on freedom of speech and our democracy.

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High Court judgement makes the right to strike one of the most restrictive and oppressive in the world

December 7, 2017

The judgement handed down by the High Court yesterday on a case between petroleum and gas giant ESSO and the Australian Workers Union has made Australia’s industrial action laws – which are already some of the most restrictive in the OECD – much more oppressive.

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732 companies pay no tax, cost Australia $13.4 Billion

December 7, 2017

Data from the ATO reveals that in the 2015/2016 financial year, 732 companies failed to pay a cent of tax. These include household names like Bluescope Steel, Leandlease, CSL, Alcoa, Glencore, Qantas, Sony, Origin Energy, Energy Australia, Exxon Mobil, Auspost, Vodaphone, IBM AU/NZ, Ford, Foxtel, Virgin Australia and Seven Group.

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ExxonMobil forced to answer questions on tax

December 4, 2017

ExxonMobil, the parent company of Esso, who paid no tax in two years and attempted to drive down wages and conditions of workers at their Longford on and offshore sites, will be hauled before a Senate Inquiry into corporate tax evasion.

A report published today by the Tax Justice Network shows that the giant multinational which is one of the largest companies in the world had not paid a cent of tax in the last two years.

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Half-cocked PACER-Plus Agreement fails working people

November 30, 2017

The PACER-Plus free trade agreement has been tabled in the senate today, despite the fact that Fiji and Papua New Guinea are opting out of the agreement – meaning it will not cover 80% of the population and GDP of Pacific Islands nations.

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ACTU demands Turnbull back 10 days paid domestic violence leave

November 28, 2017

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is calling for the Turnbull Government to back growing calls for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave under the National Employment Standards, to give women the support they need to escape when they are experiencing violence.

Read More

The ACTU Network

Australian Unions

Whether you want to join a union, take action in campaigns, or make the most of the benefits of being a union member, Australian Unions is the place to go for information and resources.
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Mind Your Head

We’re taking action to protect workplace mental health.
Visit Mind Your Head

Worksite

Your rights at work for students and for people entering the workforce for the first time.
Visit Worksite

OHS

Information and resources for health and safety representatives and workers about how to speak up at work for health and safety.
Visit OHS

Union Aid Abroad

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is the overseas aid and development agency of the ACTU. Our work aims to build self-reliance through support to educational and training projects for workers and their organisations in the developing world.
Visit Union Aid Abroad

ACTU National Union Directory

Find who you are looking for from the who’s who of the union movement.
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Australian Council of Trade Unions

Representing Australian workers and their families.